Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
On Sunday, June 19th, All Saints Church will celebrate Juneteenth with Mark Chase preaching at 7:30 a.m. in the Chapel, and the Rev. Dr. Bryson White in the pulpit at 9:00 and 11:30 a.m.; Canterbury Choir offers I’ll Never Turn Back No More arr. by Hall, with soloist Michal Connor.
At 10:15 a.m. in the Forum, Mackenzie Edwards will will inspire us in Mindfulness and Trauma Healing for Black Bodies, and lead us in meditation.
And then, Brother Gerald Rivers and the Drum Circle will perform on the lawn following the 11:30 a.m. service.
About our guests:
The Rev. Dr. Bryson White considers himself an interdisciplinary theologian whose work explores the intersections of protestant eschatologies as racial formation, anti-black racism, and the construction of the carceral state, and the work of cultural icon Tupac Amaru Shakur. Furthermore, White has an extensive background in community organizing, working with the faith based community organizing network Faith In the Valley in California’s San Joaquin Valley to create a more equitable region for that Howard Thurman aptly describes as having their “backs against the wall.”
Mackenzie Edwards is a sacred space holder. As a spiritual wellness educator and leader, she facilitates and guides others through: Yoga Nidra, breath work, meditation, inner voice coaching, Restorative and Yin Yoga, and every day mindfulness practices. With a Masters degree in Theology and the Arts, over 500 hours of meditation and yoga teacher trainings, and 20 years practicing yoga and mindfulness she brings all of this knowledge and experience to each of her sessions. Through multiple healing modalities she offers guidance to others to connect back to the wholeness of who they are. As a Black woman her main goal in her classes, and Wellness Workshops are for her students to transition from a mind and body mentality of merely surviving, to thriving, healing, resting, and receiving.
Since Fall, 2020, All Saints Church has been blessed to have master djembe drummer (and renaissance artisan!) Brother Gerald Rivers lead our Traditional West African Djembe Drumming Circles.
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The Racial Justice Ministry Announces Other Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth:
Dena Juneteenth Extravaganza at Metropolitan Baptist Church
Saturday, June 18, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 2283 Fair Oaks, Altadena
Juneteenth Evensong at St. John’s Cathedral
Saturday, June 18, 4:00 p.m., 514 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles
For more information contact the Racial Justice Ministry at rjm.ascpas@gmail.com.
Eucharists and the Forum, at 9:00, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. will be streamed on our website’s live stream page, our Facebook page and our YouTube channel. Check out our live streaming page to download service leaflets and take part in our action of the week.
